Anyone interested in the next generation of console gaming is likely starting to get excited now, with Microsoft and Sony launches just around the corner. While the next Xbox has been positioned heavily as an all-in-one entertainment hub, PS4 has remained much more of a gamer's console.
With Sony having now revealed its not-so-remarkable launch line-up of entertainment apps, it looks as though the console will continue to be positioned that way. Early PS4 adopters will get their hands on the usual video-on-demand services like Netflix, Hulu Plus, VUDU and Amazon Instant Video. Sony's cloud-based, digital streaming music service Music Unlimited, and its film and TV service Video Unlimited, will also both be available on November 15.
Out of the 13 total apps available at launch, there aren't many surprises here, the rest include: Crackle, Crunchyroll, EPIX, NBA Game Time, NHL GameCenter LIVE, Redbox Instant and YuppTV. There really isn't much that Playstation 3 owners don't already have access to.
Even though the Playstation 4 will launch ahead of the Xbox One across the US and Canada on November 15 – with the less than exciting entertainment launch line up and the arguable lack of blockbuster launch titles after Watch Dogs slipped into next year – Sony may not have as much of a leg-up on Microsoft as some may have thought. Of course, only time will tell if the comparatively more successful reveal, lower price point and one week head-start will be enough for the PS4 to edge out the Xbox's thriving community in terms of launch window sales.